DEPARTMENT CONTESTS
DIVISION 399 - FAVORITE FOODS REVUE
PREMIUMS: Purple-$5.50, Blue-$4.50, Red-$4.00, White-$3.00
- Participants do not need to be enrolled in a foods project. This contest allows members to prepare their favorite recipe and present it for a special occasion. Each contestant will be interviewed by the judge for about five minutes. Questions will be asked about the favorite food, menu, centerpiece, and place setting.
- Plan Theme, Menu, & Recipe - Select a theme for your Favorite Foods Revue table setting. (Example: 4th of July picnic, 16th birthday party, Western, Strawberries, Pansies, etc.) Plan an appropriate menu for your theme. Print or type the menu, example on page 7 of Favorite Foods Revue booklet. When planning the menu, remember to include all of the foods from the My Plate and also include variety in color, shape, and texture.
- From your menu, select and prepare a favorite food. On a 4”x 6” recipe card, print or type recipe you will be pre-paring. The food may be displayed as the whole product or as one serving. (The judge may ask to taste the food.)
- Table Setting - Card table must be provided by the participant. Plan a table setting for the theme that you have chosen for 1 person. This should include table covering (cloth, placemats, table runner), napkin, dishes, silver-ware, centerpiece and the food you have chosen to prepare from your menu. You do not need to bring serving dishes or salt and pepper shakers.
- Judging Process - Participants will be interviewed by the judge. Judging will be on the menu, appropriateness of table setting for the menu, the recipe card and clarity of directions, and participant’s understanding of meal plan-ning and food preparation. Written and oral comments will be given.
- Parents and leaders may assist in carrying in articles for display, but 4-H'ers are to set up their own display.
- Project is divided into junior and senior divisions.
- You will take your table home following judging, but you are asked to bring it display during the County Festival. If you have items in your display you do not feel comfortable leaving at the fair, please display what you feel will be safe. Do not include the prepared food. Ribbon placing will be attached for display.
B399001. JUNIOR FAVORITE FOODS REVUE - (ages 8-11, before January 1 of current year) B399002. SENIOR FAVORITE FOODS REVUE - (12 & older, before January 1 of current year)
I901001. CLOVER KID - (Age 5-7, before January 1 of current year)
F500010.* CULINARY CHALLENGE - (Age 8-10)
F500011.* CULINARY CHALLENGE - (Age 11-13)
F500012.* CULINARY CHALLENGE - (Age 14-18)
DIVISION 155 - TALENT CONTEST
PREMIUMS: GROUPS - Purple-$11.00, Blue-$9.00, Red-$8.00, White-$6.00
SOLOS - Purple-$5.50, Blue-$4.50, Red-$4.00, White-$3.00
- Each group must have three or more participants, all must be 4-H members.
- 4-H member may sing (a solo and/or a duet) or play an instrument (a solo and/or a duet) or perform in one group, for a maximum of three performance times.
- Dress--Each participant will wear a 4-H Chevron or other prominent 4-H identification. Chevrons may be bought at the extension office. The performing group may not use identification of a specific club, county or organization other than 4-H.
- Time--Each group is allowed two minutes after the cue from the contest chair to arrange themselves on stage and begin performing. Props are not encouraged, but if used, must be in place within the time limit. The performance of each group is limited to not more than six minutes.
Selection--Any number of songs may be sung within the six minutes time limit. Groups may sing any
selection of their choice.
- Accompaniment--Recorded background music may be used. Performers must bring their own tape/CD/DVD and audio equipment. Please only have the music you need on the tape. Other song groups may be accompanied by piano, guitar, or other instruments. Live accompaniment, if used, may be by a 4-H member, parent or leader. Not more than one adult may accompany a group. All performers in the Band or Combo class must be 4-H members. You must provide your own music stand.
- Song groups, combos, and bands may appear with or without a director. The director of a group must be a 4-H member.
- Junior division consists of 4-H'ers under 12 years of age. Senior division consists of 4-H'ers, 12 years and older before January 1 of the current calendar year. Cloverkid 5-7 years old before January 1.
B155001. DRILL OR DANCE ROUTINES - Senior Division-May be a drill, square or folk dance, tap dance or any routine done as a group. Groups should be prepared to perform on a stage approximately 20 feet square.
B155002. DRILL OR DANCE ROUTINES - Junior Division
B155003. SONG GROUP - Senior Division
B155004. SONG GROUP WITH RECORDED ACCOMPANIMENT - Senior Division.
B155008. COMBO OR BAND - Junior Division
B155009. VOCAL SOLO - Senior Division
B155010. VOCAL DUET – Senior Division
B155011. VOCAL SOLO -Junior Division
B155012. VOCAL DUET – Junior Division
B155013. INSTRUMENTAL SOLO - Senior Division
B155014. INSTRUMENTAL DUET – Senior Division
B155015. INSTRUMENTAL SOLO -Junior Division
B155016. INSTRUMENTAL DUET – Junior Division
B155017. OTHER - Junior Division
B155018. OTHER - Senior Division
I901002. CLOVERKID
DIVISION 398 - SPEECH CONTEST
PREMIUMS: Purple-$5.50, Blue-$4.50, Red-$4.00, White-$3.00
Prepared Speech
The Prepared Speech contest provides youth the opportunity to write and prepare a speech on a topic related to their 4‑H experience. The judge will view the speech and evaluate based on the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.
B398001. CLOVERKIDS (ages 5-7): ½ to 2 minutes
B398003. JUNIOR (ages 8-10): 2-3 minutes
B398005. INTERMEDIATE (ages 11-13): 3-5 minutes
B398007. SENIOR (ages 14-18): 5-8 minutes
For Senior Division only, judges will deduct three points from the score for every 30 seconds under or over the time limit.
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- All speeches must be original and include 4‑H as the major component of the speech.
- 4‑H public speakers may not use the old speech written by a sibling, another 4‑H member, or anyone else.
- Acknowledge the source of information used in the speech. For example, an article from a magazine may be used for reference but should not be quoted directly unless you tell the audience your source.
- The use of visual aids and props is not allowed.
- Dress appropriately. Do not wear costumes or special effects clothing.
PSA
The Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest challenges youth to write and record a 60-second promotional audio recording focused on a yearly theme that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4‑H. Youth are judged on their overall organization and delivery of the PSA.
B398002. CLOVERKIDS (ages 5-7): length 30-60 seconds.
B398004. JUNIORS (ages 8-10): 60 seconds
B398006. INTERMEDIATE (ages 11-13): 60 seconds
B398018. SENIORS (ages 14-18): Length: 60 seconds
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- Youth will prepare a PSA around the 2026 Theme: "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow"
- All radio PSA's must promote 4-H and be general enough to be used anywhere in Nebraska at any time of the year.
- All 4-H PSA's must include the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA: "Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4‑H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu." The tagline is included in the 60-second time limit.
- Sound effects and public-domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used.
- All PSA's must be the original work of the presenter. Contestants may not use PSA's written and provided by the state or national staff.
- PSA entries will be submitted electronically in a .wav or .mp3 audio format along with the registration form.
Illustrated Presentation
An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, post-ers, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.
- INDIVIDUAL JUNIORS (ages 8-10): 3-5 minutes
- INDIVIDUAL INTERMEDIATE (ages 11-13): 6-8 minutes
- INDIVIDUAL SENIOR (ages 14-18): 6-8 minutes
- TEAM JUNIORS (ages 8-10): 5-7 minutes
- TEAM INTERMEDIATE (ages 11-13): 8-10 minutes
- TEAM SENIOR (ages 14-18): 8-10 minutes
Participants will be penalized if their presentation exceeds the time limit
Rules:
An Illustrated Presentation may be given by one (1) individual or a team of two (2) individuals. If team members are not in the same age division, they must compete in the age division of the oldest team member.
- All presentation topics should be related to what the 4‑H youth is learning through 4‑H educational experiences.
- Presentations should include an introduction (the "why" portion of the topic), a body (the "show and tell" portion of the topic) and a conclusion/summary (the "what" portion of the topic).
- Presenters are expected to clean up the areas in which they work.
- Please reach out to county staff for any equipment needs (table, electricity, easel, pc, etc)
- Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own computer or other equipment as needed; however, participants must be able to connect their computers to an HDMI cord.
Due to the state event location, live animals will not be able to be used in the presentation. Alternative ways of showing information about live animals (models, videos, photos, etc.) are encouraged.
Impromptu
The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4‑H-related topic that they select during the competition, where they are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presenta-tion. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. Individual entries only, no team entries in this division. Contestants will be given the topic at the contest. Example topic: My Day in 4-H.
- Junior Division (ages 8-10): 1 1/2 minutes
- Intermediate Division (ages 11-13): 3 minutes
Senior Division (ages 14-18): 5 minutes
Video Communication
The video communication contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4‑H. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production. All ages welcome.
- Length: 60-90 seconds
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the 2026 Theme: "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow"
- Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used.
- Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files.
DIVISION 501 - JUDGING, SKILL, AND IDENTIFICATION CONTESTS
While a contest is in progress, a contestant shall not communicate with others, except as directed by the Superintendent in charge of the contest. Participants will be informed of regulations at the beginning of each contest. 4-H members are eligible to participate in judging, skill and identification contests regardless of project enrollment. All participants in judging, skill and identification contests must judge in respective age divisions.
HORTICULTURE JUDGING
Contestants will not be allowed to touch any plant materials.
F501003. SENIOR DIVISION - (Age 12 & above before January 1, of the current year)
F501004. JUNIOR DIVISION - (Age 8-11, before January 1, of the current year)
LIVESTOCK JUDGING
This contest will be held on Thursday, July 16, following Market Livestock Weigh In, in the livestock arena at the Nance County Fairgrounds.
F501006. SENIOR DIVISION - (Age 12 & above before January 1, of the current year)
F501007. JUNIOR DIVISION - (Age 8-11, before January 1, of the current year)
HORSE JUDGING
The Horse Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 8:00 a.m. in the horse arena at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Albion.
F501008. SENIOR DIVISION - (Age 12 & above before January 1, of the current year)
F501009. JUNIOR DIVISION - (Age 11 & under before January 1, of the current year)
TRACTOR OPERATORS CONTEST
This contest will be held on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 p.m., at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Albion.
The contest will be conducted according to the rules set forth in the "Nebraska 4-H Tractor Operator's Contest," (EC7-56-77). Ribbons will be awarded by purple, blue, red and white groups. First and second winners in the Senior Division are eligible to compete in state competition.
F501010. SENIOR DIVISION - (Individuals age 14 & above before January 1, of the current year)
F501011. JUNIOR DIVISION - (Individuals age 12 or 13 before January 1, of the current year)
ATV CONTEST
This contest will be held Sunday, May 31 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Albion.
F501012. SENIOR DIVISION - (Individuals age 14 & above before January 1, of the current year)
F501013. JUNIOR DIVISION - (Individuals age 11-13 before January 1, of the current year)
State Fair Contests
More information about these contests can be found online.
PASE/Life Challenge - https://4h.unl.edu/pase-life-challenge
Culinary Challenge Contest - 4h.unl.edu/fairbook/general/rules
Horticulture ID - https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhorticultureidcontest
Insect ID - https://4h.unl.edu/fairbook/contests/insect-id
Weed and Grass ID - http://go.unl.edu/ne4hgrassweedidcontest
Tree ID - https://go.unl.edu/ne4htreeidcontest